MPR News: “The permits cover almost 39,000 acres, but the Forest Service says only about 1,000 acres will be disturbed by the drilling. More than 100 miles of temporary roads would be built.” Duluth News Tribune: “No exploratory drilling will be allowed in the BWCAW but exploration is and will be conducted nearly up to the edge of the wilderness.” … “The decision is open to public comments through June 18. It was picked over four other options, including an option to allow no exploration and other options that restricted drilling to winter months only or that placed additional noise limits on drilling.”

Saint Cloud Times: “Verso Paper Corp. has never experienced an explosion and fire of the magnitude seen this week in Sartell, according to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Robert Mundy.”

Photos: Top 10 plants that changed Minnesota

Pioneer Press: “The University of Minnesota horticulture professor Mary Meyer set out to find out, along with the U’s Landscape Arboretum, the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and U of M Extension. A panel judged plants by their impact (positive and negative).”

Wal-Mart takes aim at Best Buy with ads

Star Tribune: “Best Buy Co. Inc.’s plans to close 50 big-box stores by the end of the year is creating, at least temporarily, a consumer electronics hole that Wal-Mart is eager to fill.”

Minnesota tries to fend off criticism on Medicaid

Star Tribune: “A top official tells a GOP-led panel that a questioned UCare payment was not due to overcharges.”

Pay restored for local Guard

Echo Press: “President Barack Obama Friday signed into law a bill co-sponsored by all of Minnesota’s congressional delegation that will return up to 27 days of paid leave to some of the state’s National Guard members who have served in Kuwait helping to wind down the United States’ involvement in Iraq.”

Waldron out, interim chief selected for Virginia Police

WDIO: “Dennis Benz is now the acting chief for the Virginia Police Department. His most recent rank was detective.Benz is taking over for former Chief Dana Waldron, who’s resignation went into effect on Friday evening. Waldron agreed to resign back on May 11.”

U salaries reflect priorities

Minnesota Daily: “Recently, California has been the site of a major discussion of university salaries, where recent legislation may allow outside foundations and organizations to add to the university president salaries.”

Courthouse security bill moving through U.S. Senate

KAAL: “The goal is to increase safety in America’s courthouses. And a plan pushed by Senator Al Franken has passed one more committee hurdle in the US Senate.”

Closely divided La Crosse Co. gears up for Walker recall election

MPR News: “When Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker supporter Oscar Hagen’s neighbors started to blanket his block with signs for Democratic challenger Tom Barrett, he decided to do something about it.”

Coalition targets Minnesota farmers for cleanup of river sludge

Star Tribune: “Voluntary efforts to reduce sediment are criticized as insufficient. Farm groups say members have worked to reduce soil erosion.”